Shadow's Soul

by Jami Gray

  If the kid survived the next few minutes, he might make a hell of a man.

  “What if she finds out?” Elle whispered.

  “Why would she? Those two have nothin’ to do with her. The old man said those two tourists stole it from him. We’re just returning it back to its rightful owner, yeah?”

  “I don’t know, Claude, something jus’ don’ feel right ‘bout this.”

  At least the little girl had some sense of self-preservation. Unlike good ol’ Claude.

  “What the hell?” Raine’s silent question echoed in his mind. “They’re kids.”

  “Completely clueless kids,” he added, not bothering to hide his disgust, “who have no idea who or what they’re messing with.”

  “What do you want to do?”

  Now that they had the package back, what he wanted to do was to slap Claude upside the head and shake Elle. What were these two thinking? Better yet, who were they working for? Removing them from the equation was excessive, even by his standards. Which left him with only one option. “Time to remind them of what lurks in the dark.”

  He felt Raine’s amusement as they both slipped free of the shadows and closed in on the young pair. When they were within touching distant, Raine snapped her fingers and reignited her bouncy ball of illumination. Not that she needed the light, but it added a nice dramatic touch.

  Claude spun around, shoving Elle behind him. She gave a tiny squeak and burrowed behind his narrow shoulders. “Stay back!” he snapped, face pale but determined.

  The worn boards under their feet shook as the young male witch prepared to defend himself, and Gavin arched a brow. “Not your best move, Claude.” He wrapped his magic around the kid’s, slowly tightening it down like closing a fist. The floor settled. Claude’s already pale face, took on a sickly sheen. Gavin relaxed the pressure, but didn’t remove it. The threat was enough to hold the nervous teenager for a few minutes.

  “Who are you?”

  He had to give the kid credit. He had balls.

  Raine stalked closer, but Claude couldn’t back up, otherwise Elle would end up breaking the spell’s circle. He held his position as Raine closed in. A shudder ran through his frame as she withdrew a black-coated knife, the wicked edge obvious. With deliberate intent, she brought it up and laid the flat of the blade along Claude’s cheek. “We’re the ones you don’t want to piss off, little man.” The purr of menace in her voice, raised the hairs along Gavin’s arms.

  A soft sob came from behind Claude, but he gamely lifted his chin. “You took what wasn’t yours. I’m jus’ returning it to its rightful owner.”

  “You sure about that?” Gavin folded his arms over his chest and waited.

  “He said you stole it from his family.”

  “Funny, the man who handed this to me has no reason to steal from anyone, much less some backwater fool. What proof of ownership did this ‘he’ give you?”

  Based on the panic painting a frantic flush over Claude’s lean face, Gavin’s calm statements were birthing some doubts. “His word.”

  Gavin shook his head. “Then his word is worth shit, kid.”

  “Look, man, we were jus’ picking it up and returning it. You want, take it. Jus’ let us go.”

  Raine rocked back, easing her blade back, and gave a long exaggerated blink. “Let you go? Now why would we do that? You stole from us. Nobody steals from us and gets away with it.”

  From behind him, the girl whispered, “Claude, let them have it. It’s not worth this.”

  Gavin almost chuckled, instead he shifted his attention to Elle, keeping his tone icy, “Best listen to her.”

  Teenage pride battled with survival. Claude’s shoulders slumped, and his gaze dropped as self-preservation took the win. “I can’t break the spell. It’s not mine.”

  Raine leaned closer. “Don’t need you to break it, little boy. Do you even know what it does?”

  The kid opened his mouth, but before he could respond, a soft moan escaped from the shadows hiding Tarek. Claude’s eyes widened and darted to the side, trying to see, but he was smart enough not to move. “Who’s that?” His question was shaky.

  “That would be the one sent to hunt you two down,” Raine drawled.

  Dark curls appeared around Claude’s shoulder. “Track us down?” Elle’s voice cracked as she asked the question. “Why us?”

  “Maybe whoever set you after us decided he didn’t need any loose ends.” Gavin ignored the girl’s soft moan and Claude’s visible wince. Time to hammer a few things home or these two may never make it to their next birthday. “Whatever you were promised, it’s not enough. You’re playing way outside your league. Who sent you after us?” As added incentive, he lifted the illusion hiding Tarek from view.

  Elle gasped as Tarek was revealed. She tangled her hand with Claude’s and held on tight. There was no missing Tarek’s damaged shoulder, or bruised face.

  “An old man,” Claude muttered, never taking his attention away from Tarek.

  “Name,” Raine snapped.

  Claude frowned. “No name, but he wasn’t from around here. Didn’t dress right or speak right.” His lip curled. “Some fancy pants ass, but he offered good money.”

  Raine snorted. “What the hell is up around here? Everyone’s getting hired by ghosts.”

  Claude blinked at her comment. “Ain’t no ghost, lady.”

  “We’re wasting time.” Raine’s exasperation came through loud and clear as her words drifted across his mind. “They don’t know shit, Tarek doesn’t know shit. Since we have what we came for, I say we get the hell out of here.” She backed away from the young couple, not much, but enough so they could back up as Gavin approached.

  Moving toward the spell, Gavin hid his grin. “Grumpy much, love?”

  “Just tired of stepping into things blindly. Damn Mulcahy.”

  She had him there. Anytime their boss sent them out, things took unexpected turns. Since they barely made it through the last situation, it was best to avoid another entanglement. Especially since they had no idea who or what was involved. Mulcahy wouldn’t be happy about facing off with another group of Kyn, one was already more than enough.

  Studying the spell, he decided to leave it. If they triggered it, no telling who would be notified. Best to let it fade. Plus, he wanted some distance between the spell and the package. Safer all the way around.

  Turning so he could see the couple behind him, he said, “Time for a choice: stay and take your chances with him,” he tilted his head in Tarek’s direction. “Or beat feet and get the hell out of here.”

  A puzzled frown furrowed Claude’s forehead. “You’re gonna let us leave?”

  Gavin hardened his gaze, letting the young man see exactly who he faced. “You planning on coming after us anytime soon?”

  Claude stumbled back around the spell’s edge, steering clear of Raine and Gavin, forcing Elle with him, and swallowed hard. “No…no sir.”

  Raine stepped in behind the girl until her face was over her shoulder, then snapped, “Run.”

  The two young people didn’t hesitate, but dashed out the door as if the hounds of hell nipped at their heels.

  Another groan sounded. “What the hell, cher? Did you have to hit me so hard?” Tarek grumbled.

  That was their cue to go. “Lucky she didn’t slit your damn throat, asshole.” Gavin kicked Tarek’s leg as he swept pass. He was at the door when he realized Raine wasn’t behind him.

  Turning he found her crouching next to Tarek, fingering her knife. He didn’t need their mental connection to pick up on the aura of leashed fury whipping around her. Before he could say anything, she struck, sinking her blade deep into Tarek’s calf.

  The other man didn’t cry out, but barely managed to stifle his groan. The muscles in her arm shook, the only outward sign of her internal struggle. It wouldn’t take much to nudge her over that teetering line of violence. As much as he wanted to gut the bastard, they shouldn’t. Who knew what kind of ripples it would
cause if they left behind a corpse. Didn’t mean they couldn’t remedy the problem later though.

  He retraced his steps until he stood behind her. Careful to keep his voice bland, he said, “He’s not worth the paperwork.”

  Her fingers tightened on the blade’s hilt, but she finally tilted her head back to look at him. He held her rioting gaze and waited. The only one who could make this decision was her, and whatever it was, he’d be there to clean it up. He could feel her battling back the hunger for vengeance and reasserting ruthless practicality. Her attention went back to the man on the ground. Her wrist twisted the blade, and produced another groan. She yanked it out and stood. “Just making sure he’s not up to following anyone else tonight.” With that, she strode to the door.

  Looking down at Tarek’s grimacing face, Gavin understood Raine’s dilemma all too well. Slowly dropping to a crouch, he captured the man’s chin and forced him to pay attention. “Your luck’s taking a fast ride to hell, mon amie, and I suggest you follow it.”

  The hovering ball of light glinting off of the small gold hoop nestled in Tarek’s ear. He patted Tarek’s bruised cheek, and just to keep options open for a possible rematch, he wove a subtle tracking spell on the earring. Granted, Tarek could always take it off, but it was better than nothing. You never knew when they’d cross paths again, and next time, there would only be one walking away.

  Gavin got to his feet and sank a vicious kick to Tarek’s ribs. Between that and the knife wound, the wily Cajun wouldn’t be going anywhere soon. Satisfied for now, Gavin turned away, and with his borrowed, bobbing ball of light, followed Raine’s path out the door.

  The next morning Gavin and Raine’s quiet breakfast was interrupted by the squeak of the wrought iron gate. A striking couple moved across the cobbled courtyard, their attention focused on him and Raine. As they drew closer, Gavin set his cup down and rose to his feet, while Raine remained seated.

  An inescapable aura of quiet power lay over the couple, a sense that solemnly proclaimed their leadership status. He didn’t need a name from Mulcahy, this is who they were to meet. While the woman’s skin tone was a beautiful mix of light and dark, the man was solid ebony, but together they were mesmerizing.

  “Monsieur Durand,” she greeted, stepping forward, hand extended, her smile bright and cheerful. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  He clasped her hand, noting numerous rings on her long fingers, and brought it up to brush his lips across her knuckles, the old-fashion greeting more instinctive than required. Something about this woman reminded him of the more aristocratic Fey. “My lady.”

  “Marie, is fine, my boy.” Silent laughter added a depth of shine to her gaze. She turned to Raine, the movement sending the small beads woven into her multitude of intricate braids clicking together until the sound melded into faint whispers, and offered her hand. “Mademoiselle McCord.” Raine’s last name sounded strange when pronounced with a musical French lilt. “John and I welcome you to our fair city.”

  Raine rose and shook Marie’s hand. “Marie.” Her attention switched to the quiet man behind Marie. “John. Won’t you join us?”

  Gavin snagged two chairs from a neighboring table for their visitors. After a few moments of shuffling, everyone was finally seated around the small table.

  John placed his chair to the left and just behind Marie’s, both facing Gavin and Raine, who were separated by the table. After the polite noises were complete, Marie tapped an elegantly painted nail of deep purple against the table’s top and introduced the actual reason for this get together. “Our apologies for not keeping our appointment last night, we hope it didn’t inconvenience you.”

  “No inconvenience,” Gavin replied, even as Raine’s silent laughter whispered through their shared connection. “We spent some time down on Bourbon Street enjoying the music and people.” He and Raine discussed sharing some details about last night’s little drama, but without knowing how the winds blew down here, they didn’t want to make waves. They had enough crap waiting at home.

  Behind Marie, John’s smile flashed, his deep voice rumbled, “I hear a story under those words.”

  “Might as well tell them,” Raine’s amusement came through loud and clear. “Something tells me these two know exactly what happens in this town.” She reached into the bag slung across the back of her chair, retrieved the wrapped package, and set it on the table in front of Marie.

  Marie’s smile gentled as she reached out and picked it up with reverence.

  Heeding Raine’s silent advice, Gavin gave a small shrug. “Not much to tell, I’m afraid.” He picked up his coffee and took a sip, then held the cup in his hand. “Seems you aren’t the only ones interested in that.”

  “Oh?” The casualness of John’s question was belied by the hard edge his smile gained.

  “A young couple was convinced we acquired that,” Raine nodded to the package Marie held, “through illegal means. They thought to correct the matter. After an enlightening conversation, they decided that perhaps they’d been given the wrong information.”

  “Is that so,” John murmured, studying them both. “I hope they don’t require additional reassurance.”

  Gavin took another sip, hiding his grin at John’s not so subtle implication.

  Raine cocked her head to the side, her lips curling up. “No, I do believe they’ll think twice before taking someone’s word without viable proof.”

  “Yes, I do believe Claude and Elle learned their lesson well,” Marie murmured as she unwrapped the package. She peeled back the plain brown wrapping to reveal a leather-bound book. Her fingers brushed over the surface as if petting a beloved cat. “Their hearts were in the right place, but it doesn’t excuse their lapse in common sense. Time will improve their judgment.”

  “Mama Marie.” Raine shifted in her chair.

  Marie lifted her head and stared at Raine. Something about the move had Gavin tensing. John caught his eye and gave a small shake of his head, a silent command to stand down. Gavin frowned, but didn’t relax.

  “Yes, child.” Marie’s hands stilled on the book, even the slight breeze in the courtyard disappeared, the world holding its breath.

  “You’ll keep Elle safe.” Raine didn’t offer it as a question, even if Marie answered it as one.

  “Yes, that situation has been rectified.” The two women locked gazes and indulged in a silent conversation.

  Finally Raine nodded. “Good.”

  The strange intensity disappeared and Marie reached out and patted the back of Raine’s hand. “You’re a good child, Raine.” Then she gathered the book and stood. John rose behind her, his hand lying protectively against her spine. “Thank you both for bringing this home. Give Ryan my thanks.”

  Gavin and Raine both rose to their feet and followed the couple as they made their way across the courtyard.

  When they reached the gate, they turned to face Gavin and Raine. Marie held out her hand, once more to Gavin. “It was lovely to meet you.”

  He took it, and the Voodoo Queen drew him in and rose on her toes. He leaned down and felt the soft brush of her lips over his cheek.

  “Protect your petit chat,” she murmured for his ears alone. “She tends to claw at things best left alone.” Marie drew back, her dark gaze rife with warning.

  She turned to Raine, grasped her hands, drew her close and pressed a kiss against her cheek. As Raine pulled back, Marie’s grip tightened, halting her retreat. “A word of advice, if I may.”

  Raine’s gaze darted to him, wary confusion making her frown, then drifted back to the woman holding her still. A beat passed before Raine dipped her chin in acknowledgement.

  “Don’t be too eager to spill the Cajun’s blood.” There was something in Marie’s voice that raised the hairs along Gavin’s neck. Even Raine paled a bit. “You may find a better use for him than death. Sometimes your enemies become your best weapons.” She squeezed Raine’s hands once more, then let her go. “Bonne chance, you two. I do believe you’
ll need it soon.” With that dire warning, she turned to the quiet man next to her. He offered his arm and like the queen she was, Marie placed her hand on it and glided out of the courtyard.

  He didn’t need Marie’s warning to know the danger he and Raine faced. After what happened in Arizona and the lengths they went through to protect those they considered theirs, their future was more than dangerous. Sides would be taken, secrets would be ripped open, and change was inevitable.

  The gate clanged shut behind the couple and Raine turned to Gavin. He was shocked when she stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest.

  Not one to question such a unique occurrence, he gathered her close and held her tight. Through their connection he could feel her worry, and even though she tried to hide it, her fear of what was coming. Marie’s warnings left her unsettled. He bent his head and brushed a kiss against her hair.

  “She freaks me out,” Raine muttered against his chest.

  He chuckled. “I think that was the point, love.”

  She sighed, tipping her head back so she could see his face. “What now?”

  He brushed her cheek with a finger. “Now, we go home and wait.”

  She bit her lip. “Wait for what?”

  He tightened his hold. “Whatever’s coming.”

  Thank you for reading Shadow’s Soul.

  Not ready to say good-bye to the shadowy world of the Kyn? Keep reading for a preview of book three, Shadow’s Moon. Or if you’re on a roll, pick up your copy here!

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